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Received an iPhone, can I activate it?

A

auero

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Sep 15, 2006
1,386
114
My boss/family friend was kind enough to give me her spare iPhone 3G 16GB. She never really used it as a phone, just kept it in her purse for apps and facebook, data etc...

Anyway, I asked if she was willing to sell it to me and she told me "You can have it!". It's only got one hair line scratch on the back and otherwise perfect condition:). I wish it was still in warranty for apple care (not that I'm complaining!)

Anyway, can I take it to AT&T and activate it without signing a contract? Sorry if this was asked I just didn't see anything when searching.
 
It's already activated.

Plug your SIM card into it and enjoy. Don't forget to add a data plan or have AT&T block all data to your line. Data charges can get steep.
 
lostprophet894 said:
It's already activated.

Plug your SIM card into it and enjoy. Don't forget to add a data plan or have AT&T block all data to your line. Data charges can get steep.
Click to expand...

I forgot to mention I'm not a customer. I could have sworn they told me in the store that they accept customers who bring their own devices and dont want a contract. But i'm just curious if it would matter if its an iphone.
 
auero said:
I forgot to mention I'm not a customer. I could have sworn they told me in the store that they accept customers who bring their own devices and dont want a contract. But i'm just curious if it would matter if its an iphone.
Click to expand...

In that case I'd just go to AT&T and sign all the papers, get your phone number and a SIM and take off. Tell them you have a phone at home. Once you get home put the SIM in the iPhone, go to wireless.att.com and sign up for online account management, add the iPhone data plan and you're good.

If you want to avoid a contract, you can go to Walmart, Best Buy or something of the like and pick up a Go phone. Take the SIM out of that phone and plug it in the iPhone but be sure to block data on the line.
 
I called my local store but I don't think I got someone who knew what they were talking about. He said I have to sign a 2 year contract. I don't see why I'd do that if I could just pay the 200 bucks for a new brand new iphone and sign a contract vs using an older phone and being stuck for 2 years!
 
Okay, called AT&T and she said he was incorrect, you can be on a month to month basis, you just need to get a new simcard by going to the store and they'll set it up.
 
auero said:
Okay, called AT&T and she said he was incorrect, you can be on a month to month basis, you just need to get a new simcard by going to the store and they'll set it up.
Click to expand...

Yep. Don't let them try to tell you otherwise. Some of the salespeople are sleazy and will try to get you to take a free phone but that free phone commits you to a 2 yr. contract.
 
I'm getting very annoyed. I went to the store and he said I need to sign a new 2 year contract (which I rather just buy a 3GS if thats the case) and I call AT&T and they say I don't have to sign a contract so then she transfers me to sales and the lady there says I have to sign a new contract for "security issues".

So why would I want to sign a 2 year contract on an older device?
 
Some stores try to get you to sign a 2 year contract and pay for a sim card. Talk to the manager and tell since you already have the cell phone you are not going to be put in a 2 year subsidized contract. Also mention being told about a contract reversal.

I would recommend going to an at&t corporate store as they are more customer friendly.
 
auero said:
This was a corp. store. I thought you can't get data on a prepaid phone? All i want is data! I don't care about the phone itself!
Click to expand...
Ahh see there's the problem.
You want data only on an iPhone... not possible unless you are deaf.
(They will require medical proof of that too.)

No way around that.

And you will still be required to sign a contract.

As for Go-Phone plans, you can get data services with a Go-Phone as well.
MEdia Net plans are used on Go-Phones.

http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-plans/prepaid-feature-packages.jsp
Messaging Packages

Communicate quickly, easily and discreetly with text and instant messaging.
Choose from the following money saving options:
200 Msgs. - $4.99
1000 Msgs. - $9.99
Unlimited Msgs. - $19.99
Data Packages

1 MB - $4.99
100 MB - $19.99
Click to expand...
 
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